Need some help in regards to the Danish Army, 1940.

[Doc Twilight]

Hello, everyone -

This project is still in its early stages, however... as I have intimated, Black Army will be doing a strictly historical range, and I'm in need of some references for some rather esoteric subjects.

Specifically, I am looking for photo references for the Danish Army in 1940. I have the organizational bit down (my latest book for Panzer Korps deals with this, actually!), but as you are probably aware (particularly those of you in Denmark) coverage of the subject is pretty awful!

I am hoping that some of you, particularly some of you in Denmark, might be able to help. Do you have any photos of Danish soldiers/officers for the ground forces from the period? I have a great respect for the Danish soldier, and I would like this subject to be covered with the best accuracy and respect that he deserves, so any help would be -greatly- appreciated. I've got photos of the resistance, but the Army itself? Difficult to find! I assure you that these photos will not be published - I'm mainly needing them for sculpting references.

Danish language captions are fine! But translation help would be appreciated;)

My thanks in advance,

Alex

[Mr. Cigarface]

I have absolutely no knowledge of this subject, but I do know how to use google AND read danish, so maybe I can help you a small bit...

Try this one: http://www.chakoten.dk/cgi-bin/fm.cgi?n=374
Click on the 7th yellow button that reads "Det danske forsvar i mellemkrigsårene" to go the relevant topics.
It is written in danish, but it contains loads of info on the army. Maybe google translator can help here.

(fodfolk = infantry & rytteri = cavalry)

[Hammers]

Wouldn't it be wiser to release a series of irregular Danes (partisans) rather than regular troops? The Danish troops laid down arms almost immediately while by 1943 the resistance was very active.

[Doc Twilight]

Wouldn't it be wiser to release a series of irregular Danes (partisans) rather than regular troops? The Danish troops laid down arms almost immediately while by 1943 the resistance was very active.

Fair question, Hammers.

The plan is to do the resistance eventually, however, there were quite a few battles during the brief campaign, and in fact, the Danes actually won some of them;) The plan is to do the Early War, beginning in 1940 (since the Poles are already thoroughly covered), and going roughly chronologically. So the Danes would be first on the list, followed by the Norwegians, etc. At any rate, there are some interesting "what ifs" to consider, given that the Danish Army was prepared to continue resistance.

-Doc

[Doc Twilight]

Wouldn't it be wiser to release a series of irregular Danes (partisans) rather than regular troops? The Danish troops laid down arms almost immediately while by 1943 the resistance was very active.

And Cigarface, lest I forget, thank you very kindly for the link and the information about proper terms.

-Doc

[argsilverson]

chakoten has an army 1940 page (actually 3) in english, too:

http://www.chakoten.dk/cgi-bin/fm.cgi?lang=dk&n=591

[Hammers]

What I know is that Denmark had a fairly small army. When there was general mobilization there weren't enough uniforms to go around so a lot of soldiers had civilian clothes and that very particular large pot helmet which was unique to the Danes.

I am keen to see Norwegians. No smear on Danes, but I always have felt they deserve a 28mm range since they fought quite long and bitterly. Lot of coll possible scenarios to, involving Brits, French Chasseurs Alpin and German Gebirgs- and Fallschimrjäger and naval troops.

[fastolfrus]

15mm I hope - no offence Hammers, but 15mm is more practical for this one as you can afford more guns/armour etc (not just in cash terms but also tablespace)

[Hammers]

15mm I hope - no offence Hammers, but 15mm is more practical for this one as you can afford more guns/armour etc (not just in cash terms but also tablespace)

It may well be that it is more practical but God disapproves with all things below 25mm and above 32mm.    

[carlos marighela]

What I know is that Denmark had a fairly small army. When there was general mobilization there weren't enough uniforms to go around so a lot of soldiers had civilian clothes and that very particular large pot helmet which was unique to the Danes.

I'm not sure pot is how I would describe the shape of the Danish helmet. Personally I've always thought it bears a striking resemblance to a part of the male anatomy. One wonders if that played a part in the collapse of Danish resistance in 1940 being taunted as an army of dickheads. 

[Doc Twilight]

What I know is that Denmark had a fairly small army. When there was general mobilization there weren't enough uniforms to go around so a lot of soldiers had civilian clothes and that very particular large pot helmet which was unique to the Danes.

I am keen to see Norwegians. No smear on Danes, but I always have felt they deserve a 28mm range since they fought quite long and bitterly. Lot of coll possible scenarios to, involving Brits, French Chasseurs Alpin and German Gebirgs- and Fallschimrjäger and naval troops.

You'll be pleased to know that Norwegians are also a high priority for me. They'll be there, eventually. I'm basically looking at more or less chronological releases.

The debate here at Black Army HQ continues as to whether our first WW2releases will be in 15mm or 28mm... at the moment, it seems that they will likely be in 15mm (I know, I know), but 15mm is the more marketable WW2 scale, and more likely to turn a profit, to put it bluntly. As for 28mm stuff, I can only say that, in addition to what is already happening now with the Shanghai and Champions Ranges, we have something extremely...er... unique... in planning for 28mm. Which, hopefully, the WW2 stuff will help finance.

-Doc

[Arlequín]

I'm quite supportive of the more 'off-beat' armies appearing for WW2. So seeing Danes, Norwegians and hopefully Czechs appearing is all good too me. 15mm is my chosen scale too... space and money (and painting talent) is at a premium! 

[Hammers]

at the moment, it seems that they will likely be in 15mm

Well, it is *you* soul at peril. God is watching and he is stern.

[fastolfrus]

Well, it is *you* soul at peril. God is watching and he is stern.

But He is Swedish and would approve of Danes and Norwegians only being small :~}

[Sinewgrab]

But He is Swedish and would approve of Danes and Norwegians only being small :~}

He could not possibly be Swedish - my Norwegian grandfather would have been wrong. And he was never wrong. At least, not as far asI will ever remember.

And I second Hammers. God will disapprove if you put Norwegians out in anything but 28mm.